Botts,
We waited 6 weeks for improvement, and then went for the scope. The original OS also did a LR at that time. I am not sure at all that it was needed. As far as I can tell it made no difference in my knee troubles. I wish I had researched and gone to the OS I am seeing now to begin with.
The cartilige has continued to worsen, so I am having ACI surgery on Nov 6.
My other knee has some of the same trouble, but is not as bad.
The thing with my knee started the way you described after a long hike up, and then down a 14ner. I was carrying a 50 lb pack. Not smart. I was fine until the day after. I had done this many times before with no trouble though. I gave the knees some time off, and then 6 weeks later played some sports. The left knee then swelled horribly, and off I went for the scope. It did not hurt any more than it had been while I played. It waited until a few hours later and then just got bigger and bigger.
Looking back, I wish I had not played the sports until there was no pain left in either knee. Maybe then I would not be looking at the ACI surgery now.
Hopefully they can get you straightened around and on the road to recovery soon. I hope you have a very good knee guy.
Good luck!
Linda